Black Friday Shopping is for Suckers. Don't Be a Sucker.
By Olivia Leigh in Miscellaneous on Nov 22, 2006 6:10PM
We always tend to think other people celebrate holidays like the Griswolds in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – a week-long shopping, eating and bickering extravaganza with extended family. But for many of us, Thanksgiving and Christmas end up being an afternoon or evening of time with the relatives, and that night we’re back in the city twiddling our thumbs.
So, what’s a city dweller to do if he or she is sane enough to stay away from the Black Friday craziness and the movie madness? We offer a few suggestions:
- The Alley and Milio’s Hair Salon will be teaming up this Friday for the “Stitch and Sew Indie Fashion Show” from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. at 3228 N. Clark. DJs will play music as models dance throughout the store, decked out in clothing from local designers of “all backgrounds and disciplines” showcasing lcothes “you would typically not see in The Alley.” We’re just hoping that doesn’t mean staid suits and pleated pants.
- Learn how to move your holiday party food fare up a notch from cheap punch and Ritz crackers at Holiday Bellywarmers, a free cooking demostration at The Chopping Block (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107). From 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., participants will learn how “to prepare hot holiday beverages and fondues.” Free samples, too!
- At 10 a.m. on Friday, you can watch the Art Institute’s signature lions get draped in evergreen wreaths for the holidays. You can also meet the museum’s mascot, Artie the lion. While seeing some foliage draped on statues doesn’t sound like a an event to go out of the way for, the first 250 people will receive free general admission to the museum.
- If you didn’t imbibe enough on Thanksgiving Eve, head out to the Wrightwood Tap (1059 W. Wrightwood Ave.) this Friday from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. and drink for a good cause. The benefit includes domestic drafts, cocktails, wine and pop, and the $20-$25 price goes to the American Cancer Society.
- Lastly, If you are one of those shoppers who cannot be convinced to stay away from Day After Thanksgiving shopping deals, you might want to stop by Macy’s on State around 1 p.m. on Friday. Word has it that a slew of women will be dressed in 1890s-style dresses and hats with signs reading “Give the lady what she wants!” to continue the protest against the Macy’s takeover of Marshall Fields.
While these might add a bit of spice to this weekend, we know many of you might have your own traditions for this weekend. What do you do on Thursday evening or Friday besides shop or check out a new flick?